ador. It was this hope that had induced him to recall his
companions, after having urged them to depart.

A few words explained his apparently strange conduct to Harry and Colin,
and they again promised to resist every attempt made to take them any
farther unless all should go in company.

The merchants in vain commanded and entreated that the Christian dogs
should move on. They used threats, and then resorted to blows.

Harry, to whom they had hitherto shown some respect, was beaten until
his scanty garments were saturated with blood.

Unwilling to see them suffering so much torture unsupported by any
selfish desire, Jim again counselled Harry and the others to yield
obedience to their masters.

In this counsel he was warmly seconded by Terence.

But Harry declared his determination not to desert his old shipmate
Colin, and Bill remained equally firm under the torture; while the
Krooman, knowing that his only chance of liberty depended on remaining
true to the white slaves, and keeping in their company, could not be
induced to yield.

Perceiving that all his entreaties, addressed to his brother, Harry, and
Colin, could not put an end to the painful scene he was compelled to
witness, Jim strove to effect his purpose by making an appeal to his
late masters.

"Buy us back, and take us all to Swearah as you promised," said he. "If
you do so, we will go cheerfully, as we were doing before. I tell you,
you will be well paid for your trouble."

One of the merchants, placing some confidence in the truth of this
representation, now offered to buy Jim and Terence on his own account;
but their new master refused to part with his freshly acquired property.

A crowd of men, women, and children, had now gathered around the spot;
and from all sides were heard shouts of "Kill the obstinate Christian
`dogs'. How dare they resist the will of true believers!"

This advice was given by those who had no pecuniary interest in the
chattels in question; but the merchants, who had invested a large sum in
the purchase of their white slaves, had no idea of making such a
sacrifice for the gratification of a mere outburst of passion.

There was but one way for them to overcome the difficulty that had so
unexpectedly presented itself. This was to separate the slaves by
force; taking the four along with them, and leaving the other two to the
purchaser, who would not revoke his bargain.

To accomplish this, the assistance of the